This paper describes the application of the participatory diagnosis and adaptive management (PDAM) framework to analyze the governance of small-scale fisheries and the potential for adopting the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) in Misamis Occidental, Philippines. Using the Rapid Appraisal of a Fisheries Management System (RAFMS) as a complementary methodology, the paper provides key information on stakeholders' perception on scaling-up of fisheries management. More specifically, the paper focuses on the strengthening of the Iligan Bay Alliance for Misamis Occidental (IBAMO), a multi-stakeholder body to provide a governance framework for inter-LGU collaboration. Stakeholder participation during the diagnostic phase is also described as well as potential areas for capacity building in addition to information and education activities that are needed to promote EAF in this important fisheries area.